Chapter 96: The General Trend of the World
Yellow Heaven is the belief of the Taiping Sect, fundamentally deifying the Yellow Emperor. In this regard, it shares similarities with the Dinghu Sect, for Dinghu Sect is also an inheritance of the Yellow Emperor and worships him.
Yet, the Taiping Sect is a religion, while Dinghu Sect is merely a sect.
Religions worship their figures as supreme beings, offering them utmost reverences, whereas sects treat their revered figures with respect, offer incense, and perform rituals, but they view them more as forerunners rather than gods.
"Yellow Heaven, in essence, represents a stance," Gongsun Qingyue replied with a book in hand, on behalf of Elder Tianxuan, "The advocacy for the supremacy of Yellow Heaven essentially places the Yellow Emperor above all, with everything else beneath him, whereas the current dynasty is co-ruled by the Emperors Yan and Huang, under the dominion of Fire Element."
"Inheritance shared by the Ji and Jiang families displeases some forces devoted solely to the Yellow Emperor, such as the Taiping Sect. The Jiang family has occupied the court for centuries, monopolizing numerous advantages, provoking dissatisfaction among many newcomers."
For faith, for benefit, more and more aimed at the Jiang family.
Yellow Heaven is the belief of the Taiping Sect, yet it is also a stance for some.
Thus, after losing the Ochre Whip, the Jiang family continually declined, quickly deteriorating after the sudden death of the Family Head, leading to a transfer and splintering of the household, facing various assaults.
Although Dinghu Sect, as an inheritor of the Yellow Emperor, may not be as fervent as the Taiping Sect, it is impossible to say that there aren't those within who wish to purify the lineage.
"Opposing the Jiang's main family is something I, too, have done, but to completely deny the era of Fire Element, that I absolutely cannot do," Elder Tianxuan added.
Should the era of Fire Element be negated, the world's dynamics would markedly change, and the most straightforward method to alter the era of Fire Element...
is to rebel!
Jiang Li suddenly felt like he was standing at a pivotal point in the torrents of time.
Perhaps initially, it was merely opposition to the Jiang family but, as power expands, situations change, and ambitions emerge, it's not inconceivable that some might rise in rebellion.
Fighting the dynasty established by the descendants of the Yellow Emperor under the banner of revering the Yellow Emperor might seem absurd yet not impossible.
Even if some are reluctant, once momentum builds, they would likely be swept along.
This future was exactly what worried Elder Tianxuan.
"What about the Sect Leader?" Jiang Li inquired, "Are the stances of Elders Tian Ji and Kaiyang solely for the sect, and what is the Sect Leader's stance?"
Is he solely for the sect, or does he also consider the court and the world?
"I'm not sure," Elder Tianxuan's unexpected response came.
As the leader of a sect, Elder Tianxuan was unclear about his stance.
"The Sect Leader is currently in the Divine Capital extending the Emperor's life. From this point, he seems aligned with the court, yet he has not shown any preference for the next Sect Leader," Elder Tianxuan sighed lightly, "To prevent internal strife within the sect under the current circumstances, choosing Qing Yue as the Junior Sect Leader would be the best option, yet the Sect Leader has not indicated his intentions."
"To say he favors his own disciple isn't quite right, as the Sect Leader lets Yun Jiuye handle things, without openly showing support. Our Sect Leader, always deep as still waters, remains inscrutable to us all."
"My master has the support of three elders. It seems the Sect Leader might be opposing my master's intentions," Gongsun Qingyue interjected, trying to offer comfort.
She had not yet finished speaking when Elder Tianxuan cut her off.
"You underestimate the Sect Leader," Elder Tianxuan shook his head, "Even if all six of us united against him, we might not match the Sect Leader, let alone four. A third grade is one of the strongest in the world, and the Sect Leader is among the strongest of the strong."
"The Awakened of Buddha Country, the Karma Tathagata of Fire House Buddha Hell, the Daoist Lord of Daode Sect, the Great Venerable of the Devil God Sect, the Emperor of Great Zhou, and our Tian Jun of Dinghu Sect – these six third grades represent the world's dynamics."
Buddha Country, dominant in the Western Land outside Great Zhou's territories, is the foremost force.
Fire House Buddha Hell opposes Buddha Country, impeding its spread of teachings for many years. Although not extensive, it is precisely this force that checks Buddha Country, keeping the Karma Tathagata perennially seated in the holy land of Buddha Country, unable to travel.
The Daoist Lord of the Daode Sect leads the Mystic Sect Sanqing Sect, with Tian Jun of Dinghu Sect as the other pole of Mystic Sect.
The Emperor of Great Zhou, wielding boundless support in the royal domain and being the lord of Divine Country, is naturally extraordinary.
As for the Devil God Sect, as the largest terror force within and beyond Divine Country, the central hub of demon, ghost, and monster, the position of the sect leader of the Devil God Sect is undoubtedly a fateful one—maintaining this position showcases the immense strength of the Devil God Sect's Great Venerable.
These six strong leaders, each with their own forces, indeed represent the world's dynamics.
Now, with the Emperor of Great Zhou nearing his end, the Sect Leader is attempting to extend his life. If the Sect Leader has other intentions, involving heart-wrenching manipulations, Great Zhou might soon have to observe national mourning.
Thus, the stance of the Sect Leader is crucial.
"Fortunately, the Sect Leader is also bound by oaths; even if he harbors other thoughts, he cannot act before the Jiang family fully collapses. Therefore, while the Jiang main family should fall, the Jiang family must not."
Elder Tianxuan stood up, putting on a veil, and patted Jiang Li's shoulder with a meaningful expression: "My good disciple, you should strive to strengthen yourself quickly, endure."
If the Sect Leader holds no other intentions, that would naturally be best. If he does, and if the Jiang family blends with Dinghu Sect, standing with Elder Tianxuan, it would both control the Sect Leader and prevent him from employing forceful measures—a two-fold gain.
This was the first time Jiang Li felt so crucial.
It was also the first time Jiang Li realized how perilous the Jiang family's situation was.
Not to mention whether the Sect Leader harbors other intentions, those trying to install Yellow Heaven, even if they do not rebel, seek to eliminate the Jiang family. After all, they are inherently opposed to the Jiang family.
'Is it still possible to sever ties with the Jiang family now?' Jiang Li wondered helplessly.
'It's too late, now that the legitimate Jiang lineage rests with me.'
He answered himself internally.
The deeper the features of the Divine Farmer are cultivated, the more legitimate Jiang Li's position becomes. Having defeated Jiang Zhuyun, he has solidified his status. If the main family returns, he must still vie for true resolution.
"I will teach you well."
Elder Tianxuan finished speaking, then turned and walked toward the back hall, "It's late, go back."
She walked into the rear hall with her hands behind her back, closed the middle door, and disappeared from Jiang Li's sight.
[This scene... why does it seem so familiar?]
Jiang Li flipped through the Karma Collection, back to the records of becoming a disciple.
[Three taps on the head, and now unusually not placing hands crossed in front of the belly... Could it be that "Journey to the West" exists in this world too?]
Jiang Li was utterly puzzled.
'So, should I sneak into my master's chambers tonight?'